Talbot County, Maryland

08/29/2025

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The Talbot County Council issued a proclamation on August 26, 2025, recognizing August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month with the Talbot County Health Department, Global Vision 2020, and local ophthalmologists and optometrists.

The Talbot County Council issued a proclamation on August 26, 2025, recognizing August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month and highlighted a new initiative that restored access to vision care for uninsured and underinsured students in Talbot County.

Each year, the Talbot County Health Department provides free hearing and vision screenings in public schools. These screenings are vital for early detection—because when children can see and hear, they can learn. Yet, when uninsured or underinsured students are referred for follow-up exams, many are unable to access further care.

When the National Association of School Nurses’ vision voucher program ended in 2024, the Talbot County Health Department turned to Global Vision 2020, a local nonprofit founded by Kevin White, to find a solution. Global Vision 2020 is known internationally for the “U-See” device, a manual vision screening device that allows for onsite testing and glasses fitting. While widely used abroad, U.S. regulations require physician oversight, so local providers stepped forward to bridge the gap.

On April 26, 2025, the first Global Vision Clinic in Talbot County was held. 29 public school students received a comprehensive exam by licensed physicians, with nine children receiving glasses onsite and others receiving prescriptions that were later filled through Zenni Optical. All services, including exams and glasses, were provided free of charge.

The clinic was a collaborative success, involving Global Vision 2020 volunteers, Talbot County Health Department employees, Talbot County Public Schools staff, and physicians, including Dr. Travis Peck, Dr. Whitney Fahrman, and Dr. Brett Kline.

“This is what community is all about—people stepping up to make sure every child can walk into class ready to learn,” said Council President Chuck Callahan. “Sometimes it’s as simple as a pair of glasses that makes all the difference.”

Talbot County Health Officer Dr. Fahmi Fahmi expressed gratitude for the collaboration:

“We are so thankful to everyone who made this clinic possible, including our partners at Global Vision, local physicians, our schools, and our staff. I especially want to recognize Megan Greenwood for her leadership in pulling these pieces together. Because of her efforts, nearly 30 students walked away with the vision care they needed, and this model sets the stage for future clinics in Talbot County.”

The Council commended all partners involved for their dedication to removing barriers and ensuring children enter the school year with the vision support they need. The Health Department has indicated that it hopes to repeat the program in the future, continuing to expand equitable access to vision care for all students.

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